Shrinks on the Brink

Austin and Kellie
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Shrinks on the Brink is a mental health podcast where Kellie and Austin talk life, burnout, and the beautifully messy in-between - all with a dash of humor, a heap or honesty, and the occasional "wait, should we be saying this?" Because yes, we're licensed... but we're also low key losing it.

  1. 1D AGO

    Fact Check: We were probably Wrong

    After a heavy few weeks and a conference hangover, we needed a break from being profound. Turns out, memory is unreliable, confidence is not evidence, and we may have said a few things we'd like to revisit. It's part correction, part reflection, and mostly just us laughing at ourselves while trying to get it a little more right this time.

    38 min

  2. MAY 5

    Grief in Real Time

    Grief doesn't move in order, and it definitely doesn't follow a script. In this episode, we're talking about what grief actually looks like in real life - not the textbook version. From numbness and anger to the pressure of "doing it right," we unpack why grief is so disorienting and why there's no correct way to move through it. We also talk more directly about grief after suicide, including the layers of guilt, unanswered questions, and self-blame that can show up - and why those reactions are common, but not facts. We challenge the old belief that talking about suicide "plants the idea," break down why that myth is harmful, and talk about how honest, safe conversations can actually protect people, not put them at risk. And yes - we touch on the stages of grief and why real grief rarely follows them in any linear way. If you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or just trying to make sense of something that doesn't make sense... this one's for you. If this episode brings up thoughts of self-harm or feeling unsafe, please reach out to someone you trust or a crisis line in your area (988). You don't have to hold that alone. New episodes weekly. Mental health with a side of humor (and honesty we probably shouldn't be trusted with).

    52 min

  3. APR 28

    Your Personality is a Group Project

    How much of who you are... is actually you? In this episode, we're talking about the quiet, often unnoticed influence of friend groups - and how the people around you shape everything from your habits and humor to your confidence, goals, and relationships. It's not as obvious as peer pressure. It's subtler than that. You don't just choose your friends... you adapt to them. We're diving into: Why adolescence is such a critical window for identityHow your environment shapes you without you realizing itWhat it looks like to outgrow friendships (and why it's so uncomfortable)And the question most people avoid: Are your current friendships aligned with who you actually want to be?If you've ever felt like a different version of yourself depending on who you're around... this one's for you.

    36 min

  4. APR 21

    More than Cleanliness: The Truth about OCD

    When most people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, they picture cleaning, organizing, or needing things "just right." But OCD is so much more than that - and often far more distressing. In this episode, we break down what OCD actually is, including intrusive thoughts, compulsions (both visible and mental), and why the cycle can feel impossible to escape. We also explore common misconceptions, the role of anxiety and interpretation, and what evidenced-based treatment like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) looks like. Having a thought doesn't make it true - and it definitely doesn't define you.

    41 min

  5. APR 14

    Understanding without Excusing: A DV Informed Conversation

    In this episode, we explore the tension between accountability and context in the wake of a highly publicized incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul. Through a domestic violence-informed lens, we unpack how relationship dynamics, escalation patterns, and emotional dysregulation can contribute to moments of harm -without excusing them. We also examine how gender, privilege, and bias shape the way we judge others... and ourselves.

    35 min

  6. APR 7

    It's not about the Stuff: The Psychology of Letting Go

    Letting go often requires grieving - old identities, expectations, relationships, and patterns that once served a purpose. In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological barriers to letting go, and why the process can feel so uncomfortable - even when it's necessary for growth.

    39 min

  7. MAR 31

    Your Hobby doesn’t have to be your Side Hustle

    If it’s not productive… do we even want it? In this episode, we challenge the idea that everything needs to have a purpose. From turning hobbies into side hustles to feeling guilty for “wasting time,” we unpack why play feels so hard—and what that reveals about how we measure our worth. Shoutout to one of our breakdown besties, Chet, for this episode idea—keep an eye out for your special gift 👀

    35 min

  8. MAR 25

    Curiosity Killed My Mental Health

    We have more access to information than any generation before us - but what is it doing to us? In this episode, we explore the emotional impact of constant exposure to news, opinions, and global crises. Are we becoming more aware... or just more overwhelmed? We talk about compassion fatigue, emotional boundaries with information, and why the human brain may not be built to process the entire world at once.

    37 min
See All (45)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Shrinks on the Brink is a mental health podcast where Kellie and Austin talk life, burnout, and the beautifully messy in-between - all with a dash of humor, a heap or honesty, and the occasional "wait, should we be saying this?" Because yes, we're licensed... but we're also low key losing it.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin and Kellie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Austin and Kellie
  • Show Website
    Shrinks on the Brink